Breakdown: As expected, the reigning AFC champions will get their share of the national spotlight with five prime-time games. The first national game will be on the road in Week 3 against the Indianapolis Colts, which should be a great matchup.

The Steelers caught a break in terms of strength of schedule. Pittsburgh finished first in the AFC North last year but has the 27th-ranked schedule this season. A major reason is the division will face the NFC West, which didn't have a team with a winning record in 2010. The Steelers also will play four games total against the Browns and Bengals, who were a combined 9-23 last season.

Super Bowl runners-up usually struggle the following season. But if Pittsburgh can get through the first month, the 2011 schedule sets up pretty favorably to make another push for the playoffs.

Complaint department: The Steelers begin with road games in three of the first four weeks. That includes a huge rivalry game at the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1 and at Indianapolis in Week 3.

Pittsburgh started 3-1 in the first month without quarterback Ben Roethlisberger last year, jump-starting a Super Bowl run. It will difficult to get off to a similar start this season. A late bye week also doesn't help. Pittsburgh will have its bye this season in Week 11.

Spacing is key: The Steelers' divisional games against the Ravens are always among the most intense and physical of the year. So the NFL did a good job of spacing out the meetings to allow both teams time to recover. The Ravens will host the Steelers in Week 1 and the rematch will be in Pittsburgh in Week 9 on Sunday night. That's two months in between meetings, which is good for both rivals.